Democrats are split on their response to the anti-Israel protests and encampments that have emerged across the nation, particularly following the NYPD raid at Columbia University. Some Democratic politicians, like Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), support the police intervention at Columbia University, while others, like Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), criticize the police for infringing on the protesters’ First Amendment rights.
Fetterman has been a vocal advocate for Israel since the Hamas attack in October 2023. The NYPD raided Columbia University after pro-Palestinian protesters took control of a building and displayed pro-Palestinian banners. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) condemned the raid and urged the Mayor to reverse course, expressing concern for the safety of the students.
Bowman also denounced the police for their actions against the protesters, accusing them of brutality. New York City Mayor Eric Adams criticized the protesters for replacing the American flag with the Palestinian flag. Anti-Israel protests have spread across the nation in support of the initial encampment at Columbia University.
Following the establishment of the first encampment at the university, students were suspended and protesters were arrested. Rep. Ilhan Omar’s daughter was among those suspended. Omar has shown support for the students participating in the encampment. Despite the removal of the first encampment, another one emerged, leading the university to involve the police.
